10 rules of a Secretary chapter 15

“You, you…!”

“The best I can do is ensure you have access to the CEO without an appointment. But again…”

Pausing, I tossed the empty deodorant can into the trash and smiled once more, hoping my sincerity reached him.

“I respect the CEO’s privacy but don’t want to be a part of it. I have my own time, life, and goals, and the CEO doesn’t fit into them. I don’t want to leave a stain on the perfect name of CEO Han Doha.”

To be honest, I didn’t want to add another blemish like Han Doha to my already messed-up life.

“Can you keep your word?”

His cute face scowled fiercely, but it didn’t faze me. I bowed, hoping he wouldn’t be a hindrance in my life. The damn Han family had a knack for complicating people’s lives.

“I assure you.”

Only after repeatedly confirming did I bid farewell to Kim Jungha and left the bathroom with a lighter heart. Not far away, I spotted CEO Han with an annoyed look on his face and approached him.

His frown, caused by some disturbance, wouldn’t ease up. I gently smoothed his forehead with my thumb.

“CEO, please mind your expression.”

“Secretary Seonyul.”

“Yes, CEO Han.”

“Let’s leave. There’s no reason to stay any longer.”

Without any further explanation, he turned his back on the banquet hall, his displeasure evident in his stiff shoulders. I watched the brightly lit hall and CEO Han’s broad back before following him.

Do you know the misery of a salaryman? It’s having to do what your boss says without question.

The tranquil Korean restaurant was one of CEO Han’s regular spots. The elegant stone path at the entrance was reminiscent of an ancient Joseon palace.

The traditional lanterns softly illuminated the paths at night, and evergreen trees were tastefully placed, offering a serene atmosphere year-round.

Scattered among the trees were maple and persimmon trees, adding a touch of seasonal freshness whenever we visited.

One thing I learned while working with CEO Han was that wealthy people don’t always dine on steak and wine.

CEO Han preferred high-end Korean restaurants like this one, especially when meeting important or difficult people.

It was a place known only to those in the know, not located in the bustling heart of Seoul. It was the kind of place where high-ranking officials from dramas and movies would come to discuss secret matters.

“What are you doing? If you don’t follow, I’ll leave you behind.”

“I’m coming, CEO Han.”

I quickly moved, snapping out of my daze, as I had been gazing at the illuminated building. This place always made me feel small.

There were rumors that the place was a replica of a famous historical figure’s home or a part of an ancient palace.

I couldn’t verify these rumors, but the place always seemed old and expensive, making my stomach churn every time.

Trailing behind CEO Han like a fish following its tail, I inwardly lamented why I had to be here.

My plans for a pleasant evening vanished the moment CEO Han asked if I’d eaten. All I had at the party were water, antacids, and suppressants. And now, here I was, at this Korean restaurant.

Spending Friday night having dinner with my boss wasn’t what I had in mind.

As an eight-year veteran in the corporate world, I found myself worrying about my stomach again.

If I’d known, I would have eaten more than just coffee for lunch.

The softly lit stone path evoked a tranquil feeling, and the warm, humid breeze tickled my cheeks. Somewhere, summer insects chirped.

Watching CEO Han’s broad back and the white nape of his neck above his collar against the backdrop of softly playing classical music, I found myself wondering why classical music was playing in a traditional Korean restaurant instead of traditional Korean music.

It was a question I’d pondered but never asked.

“Secretary Seonyul, Vice President Han seems to have brought something interesting.”

“…Yes.”

Caught off guard, I almost asked him to repeat himself. I calmed my racing heart and looked at Vice President Han approaching from the opposite direction.

He hadn’t been at the party because he was here. A bright smile was plastered on his face, which meant one of two things.

One, he was simply in a good mood. But he wouldn’t be smiling at CEO Han in such a situation.

Two, he had something to mess with CEO Han. It was the second scenario. I suppressed a headache and watched him.

As Vice President Han approached, CEO Han handed me his wristwatch without explanation. I didn’t question it and took it quietly.

CEO Han rolled his shoulders slightly and then landed a punch on Vice President Han’s face.

A sharp, thudding sound echoed as Vice President Han staggered.

It was a precise hit to the left cheek. CEO Han wiped his hand with a handkerchief and dropped it at Vice President Han’s feet.

It was an expensive one. If he was going to discard it, he could have given it to me.

“Seeing something ugly while coming to eat ruins my appetite.”

“You… bastard!”

“Why smile at me if you don’t want to get hit? Try looking better.”

CEO Han spoke nonchalantly, watching as Vice President Han tried to lunge at him, only to be restrained by his secretary.

I gave the secretary a sympathetic look. It was wise to restrain him, but the aftermath was predictable, and as a fellow secretary, I pitied his plight.

“You son of a bitch!”

“Brother, our chairman made an interesting bet. You should give it your all. You need to win that art museum. If you manage that, I’ll let you hit me. Though, I doubt you’ll win.”

What art museum?

What bet?

Confused, I looked between CEO Han and Vice President Han, but gleaned no new information.

I realized then that tonight’s dinner was going to be exhausting. My intuition was usually right, like Spider-Man’s spidey sense.

After dealing with Vice President Han, CEO Han and I entered the restaurant. The slight commotion behind us quickly subsided.

Vice President Han must have realized that making a scene in public wouldn’t help, or he might have slapped his secretary and left.

As we walked through the long corridors, I listened to the sounds of laughter and conversation, softly thanking CEO Han.

“I’ll deduct the cost of the handkerchief from your salary.”

CEO Han was a good boss, but his occasional comments were like daggers.

Despite his wealth, he acted like a miser. I muttered loud enough for him to hear.

“It’ll be about the same as the overtime pay I was supposed to receive. Can’t we call it even?”

“The handkerchief is cheaper.”

“I’ll compensate you. How much is it?”

He stopped and turned to me. I took a step back, startled. He sighed and said,

“Forget it. Two cans of soda will do.”

“Are you sure? No backing out. Once said, words can’t be taken back.”

“Yeah.”

Suddenly, a shadow fell over me. I clenched my fists, thinking he might hit me, but nothing happened.

I opened my eyes to see CEO Han lightly brushing my cheek with his thumb and then blowing on it.

“Eyelash.”

Acting as if nothing had happened, CEO Han followed the waiter down the corridor.

Watching his neat figure, I sighed in relief.

CEO Han was generally generous, but you never knew. The punch he gave Vice President Han could someday be aimed at me.

Though it hadn’t happened yet, there was no harm in being cautious.

“This way, please.”

The staff member led us to our room and waited for us to take our seats. Once we were seated, the course meal began to arrive in an orderly fashion, true to the refined and neat style of a traditional Korean restaurant.

The seaweed jelly paired with soy milk as an appetizer was delightfully firm and easy to swallow, and the porridge with tenderly cooked seafood was perfectly seasoned to match our tastes.

The main dish, butter-poached jumbo shrimp, was already shelled for easy eating and melted in my mouth after just a few bites.

The side dishes, such as japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) and grilled abalone, were equally delicious.

As I savored each mouthful, I reflected on how long it had been since I had such a delightful meal.